Hunter v. Darngavil Coal Co., Ltd [1900] ScotLR 38_6 (23 October 1900)

Hunter v. Darngavil Coal Co., Ltd [1900] ScotLR 38_6 (23 October 1900)

Where there is a plea in bar based on acceptance of compensation under statute, and the averments present a strong prima facie case, the court must determine that issue first before proceeding to the merits.

Citation
[1900] ScotLR 38_6
Parties
Pursuer: William Hunter; Defender: Darngavil Coal Company, Limited
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
23 October 1900
Procedural Posture
Action of Damages / Interlocutory Appeal on Preliminary Defence
Outcome
interlocutor of Lord Ordinary recalled; cause remitted for proof on plea of bar
Legal Topics
Workmen's Compensation, Bar to Action, Settlement and Discharge, Proof of Preliminary Defence

Case Brief

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Parties

William Hunter

Pursuer

Darngavil Coal Company, Limited

Defender

Procedural Posture

Action of Damages / Interlocutory Appeal on Preliminary Defence

  1. 1 Whether acceptance of compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act 1897 bars a common law damages claim
  2. 2 Whether the plea of bar should be determined before the merits of the action

Ratio Decidendi

Where there is a plea in bar based on acceptance of compensation under statute, and the averments present a strong prima facie case, the court must determine that issue first before proceeding to the merits.

Court Disposition

interlocutor of Lord Ordinary recalled; cause remitted for proof on plea of bar

Orders

  • Proof to be taken on the averments in support of the defenders' second plea-in-law and the pursuer's answers thereto before proceeding to the merits.